title: Standards in general practice. Effectiveness and efficiency.
abstract: This paper proposes that doctors need to accept the technical meaning of terms used in economics such as effectiveness, efficiency, cost, input, process, cost benefit and outcome. The usefulness of these terms is discussed, with examples, and it is agreed that effectiveness and efficiency are best examined by those whose behaviour must alter as a result of the analysis.
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004526:Efficiency; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards*; D007494:Ireland; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care